The Evening Punt: Maddy Playle's free horse racing tips at Haydock and Newmarket

BANKER

Nuits St Georges (7.50 Haydock)

A progressive stayer who returns from a break since scoring at Nottingham and Goodwood. Both the selection and Agrapart beat Orin Swift by a length on their most recent starts, but Nuits St Georges will have a 3lb advantage over his rival in this 2m handicap. A winner over 1m4f at this track last year, he has since proved he stays this distance and still appears ahead of the handicapper. His trainer David Menuisier has been operating at a 25 per cent strike-rate in the last fortnight and this gelding can land the hat-trick.

DARK HORSE

Almost Midnight (7.10 Newmarket)

I enjoy backing three-year-olds in open company as the weight they get from their elders is so much, and it could give Almost Midnight the edge here. The son of Siyouni ran a solid race in a falsely run Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot and could have finished even closer to the progressive Sextant last time had he been ridden more aggressively. Aquarium should set a strong pace which is likely to suit, and Almost Midnight can go close under Oisin Murphy.

EYECATCHER

Ice Lord (8.15 Newmarket)

Hasn't been seen since finishing fourth on the Rowley Mile course in April, with top handicappers Flavius Titus, Summerghand and Glorious Goodwood winner Green Power ahead of him. He was dropped 1lb for that effort to a mark of 94 and as a previous course-and-distance winner the mount of James Doyle should be in contention.

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